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July 1, grocery stores across the entire state of Hawaii are banned from distributing plastic bags.

The ban does make a few exceptions, including compostable bags, bulk stores or those used for medical and sanitary reasons.

Hawaii is not the first state to try and tackle this problem. But they are the first state to fully ban plastic bags. California’s law that requires stores to charge for reusable bags, is on hold until a referendum is held in November.

“This was not done by the state legislature, but instead by all four County Councils,” the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental advocacy group, said in 2012 when the ban was first passed. The group called the effort “a great example of local activists and decision-makers addressing the serious issue of plastic pollution.”

The United States is one of the biggest contributors to non biodegradable plastics across the globe. It is estimated that there is over 28 billion pounds of plastic already in the ocean. This plastic harms ocean life as marine animals tend to get caught in or around the plastic and they often ingest the plastic, which often leads to death.

In an effort to reduce the plastic infestation it is recommended to use biodegradable or reusable bags. Store reusable grocery bags in the trunk of your car. It is suggested that hanging a reusable bag by your front door can also help ensure you never leave home without it.